New Saudi Air-Carrier to Launch in Style

Boeing and Riyadh Air announced on 14 March 2023 that the new Saudi Arabian carrier—in pursuit of its aspiration to grow Saudi Arabia’s air transport network—has chosen Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner as the basis of its wide-body fleet. The proven, long-range aircraft will facilitate the nascent air-carrier’s global launch and support its goal of operating one of the airline industry’s most efficient and sustainable fleets.

Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and based in the Saudi capital city from which it takes its name, Riyadh Air has committed to purchasing 39 787-9 jets while retaining options for an additional 33 specimens of the fuel-efficient model.

The Riyadh Air-Boeing agreement follows on the heels of a massive, 121 aircraft order recently announced by Saudi national flag carrier Saudia and—after the fashion of the aforementioned acquisition—serves the Saudi Arabian government’s wider strategic plan to transform the nation into a global aviation hub serving 330-million passengers and attracting 100-million annual visitors to the Middle-Eastern kingdom by 2030.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated: "The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience.”

Mr. Douglas added: "Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal remarked: "This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air's commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain. We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that long-standing partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more."

With a cabin-capacity of approximately three-hundred revenue passengers and a range of some 7,565-nautical-miles (14,010-kilometers), the 787-9 is the longest-legged of Boeing’s 787 aircraft family. Dreamliner passengers enjoy a superior flight experience by virtue of the 787’s spacious cabin, large windows, soothing LED lighting, turbulence-countering technology, capacious overhead bins, and advanced pressurization and environmental systems which respectively facilitate exceptionally low cabin altitude and filtered, humidified air.

The Earth, too, benefits from the 787 family’s superlative fuel efficiency and diminished CO2 emissions.

The Riyadh Air 787 order will be posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website upon its finalization.

FMI: www.boeing.com